News DeskDubai, UAE – The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), through its Youth Council, announced the successful launch of its inaugural Youth Retreat, an initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for young employees and empower them in their professional development. The event, which brings together the Directorate’s leadership and a select group of young staff members, coincides with International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12.
The retreat saw the esteemed presence of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Major General Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, Deputy Director General, alongside several Assistant Directors General.
A primary objective of the retreat is to officially launch GDRFA’s new Youth Strategy. This strategy is firmly aligned with the UAE’s overarching vision for investing in human capital and fostering future leaders. It also underscores GDRFA’s institutional culture, which prioritizes empowerment and seeks to integrate the aspirations and needs of its young workforce into strategic decision-making processes.
The retreat agenda features a series of interactive workshops structured around four core themes. The first theme is dedicated to the development of future skills and capabilities, coupled with fostering happiness and quality of life. This integrated approach aims to empower youth comprehensively, both professionally and personally, reflecting the Directorate’s commitment to cultivating a supportive environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth.
The second theme, “Innovation and Digital Transformation,” highlights the crucial role young employees play in driving the institution’s smart transformation and advancing government services. Following this, the third theme focuses on “National Identity and Societal Values,” reinforcing an organizational culture deeply rooted in belonging and social responsibility.
Finally, the fourth theme, “Participation, Representation, and Partnerships,” is designed to enable youth to actively engage in decision-making processes and expand their presence in both internal and external forums.
Commenting on the initiative, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri stated, “Youth are our true wealth and the architects of tomorrow. Investing in them is an investment in sustained achievement. Through this retreat, we provide a genuine space for dialogue, engagement, and planning—together, we shape a model institution driven by empowered youth.”
First Lieutenant Khalid Al Ram, Chair of the Youth Council, further affirmed, “This retreat serves as an inspiring platform for youth to express their ideas and aspirations, and reflects the leadership’s confidence in their ability to actively contribute to shaping the institutional future.” He emphasized that youth are the driving force behind the Directorate’s work, and the goal is to inspire them to launch initiatives that translate into tangible realities, recognizing that even the simplest ideas can be the genesis of a major project.
This initiative exemplifies GDRFA Dubai’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its institutional reputation, built upon pillars of empowerment, innovation, and partnership. The retreat marks a strategic advancement towards establishing an agile and impactful youth ecosystem capable of adapting to change and shaping the future of government operations.
